 Safran, linking up the modern
theatre with optical solutions
Soldier Modernisation examines Safran’s JFSS product range
Safran’s Joint Fires Support System (JFSS) was
designed with flexibility in mind, with the French
company offering three variants depending on
user needs.
The JFSS was produced in response to the growing
importance of Digital Aided Close Air Support (DACAS), ‘a
pivotal part of operations for NATO countries’, according
to the company. Units on the ground deploy Intelligence,
Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance (ISTAR)
resources that need to be integrated into the command
chain while allowing interoperability between different
services and among allies, demands that led to the
development of JFSS.
The JFSS family are made up of a precision inertial North
seeker and electro-optical equipment produced by the
company, Safran states. It also comprises a laser designator
– or marker – a Geographic Information System and a radio.
‘Depending on the mission, various electro-optical
equipment can be chosen by the user, including in particular
Safran products such as the PLRF rangefinder and Moskito
or JIM binoculars in various versions,’ the company states.
JFSS is available in three variants, a Safran spokesperson
told Soldier Modernisation. The day-time version comprises
the Sterna target location system and the PLRF25C pocket
laser range finder.
‘It has an ultralight weight of 3.2kg and a direct view,’ the
spokesperson added.
There are two ‘anytime’ versions of JFSS. The first is made
up of Sterna and the Moskito TI lightweight multi-purpose
target locator. The spokesperson said it was lightweight – at
3.8 km – and ‘is multispectral and has a multimedia and
digital connectivity’.
The second ‘anytime’ variant is formed of Sterna and
the JIM Compact. This is a long-range version, said the
spokesperson. It has a weight of 4.8kg, is multispectral, and
has a multimedia and digital connectivity.
As the battlefield becomes more integrated, increasing
demands are placed on systems like JFSS. The spokesperson said that Safran addressed such demands through ensuring
the system is highly interoperable, capable of interlinking
with the command, control, communications, computers
and intelligence (C4I) systems used by militaries.
‘The JFSS has a high interoperability, with an open
architecture, and is designed to be integrated with armed
forces’ C4I systems.’
Safran states that the JFSS is a flexible system that can
be tailored to the needs of the user. The company says
it provides the lightest system on the market, a modular
product line that can move from direct view to multispectral
digital connectivity.
The precision of such systems is crucial, in order to
avoid ‘blue on blue’ engagements. As such, the JFSS is
Target Location Error (TLE) CAT1 out to 4.5 km. In addition,
it provides minimised set-up time and ‘fully trustable
coordinates’, according to the company.
The JFSS is designed for use by forward observers
and controllers, the company states, with these users
providing ‘real-time surveillance, identification, positioning
and communication of TLE CAT1 coordinates for a given
point of interest.’ The system can transmit coordinates and
tactical information digitally, according to Allied standards,
according to Safran:
‘This arrangement helps limit any risk of error or
collateral damage,’ the company states. ‘At the same time,
these systems save precious time for operational forces by
reducing the “sensor to shooter” cycle.’
Safran’s systems like the Sterna and its GonioLight
pointers have proven popular on the market, the
spokesperson said.
For more information visit:
www.safran-group.com |
